Michigan Marijuana Packaging Laws

Legalization Status

Michigan Governing Body Information

2018 Marijuana Packaging Laws Update

As the 13th state to legalize cannabis for medical use, Michigan was an unlikely forerunner in the wave of medical cannabis legalization that swept the US in the early twenty-first century. In November of 2008, citizens of the Great Lakes State decided on the Michigan Compassionate Care Initiative, and over 60% of them voted to allow seriously ill patients access to medical cannabis.

Despite legalizing the medical use of cannabis in the Great Lakes State, Michigan still holds citizens accountable for their actions regarding marijuana use and storage. Actual growing cannabis plants are not allowed, and possession incurs a hefty fine. Consuming cannabis in public areas likewise incurs a fine, as does small level distribution, and most of these are considered misdemeanors. Felony punishments are still levied for cultivation and/or distribution.

Medical Cannabis Laws in Michigan

The Michigan Medical Marihuana Program is overseen by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and their first and foremost concerns are licensing patients and caregivers so that sufferers of serious illnesses can get the help they need. The list of illnesses approved in Michigan includes PTSD, Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s Disease, chronic pain, and nausea, as well as others The Great Lakes State only recently passed laws regarding registering new medical cannabis dispensaries in the state, and all the nitty gritty of packaging and selling cannabis and cannabis infused products is still being finalized by Michigan lawmakers.

Retail Cannabis Business Rules in Michigan

While cannabis packaging and retail laws in Michigan are still in the works, some general rules have been set down, effective as of 2016. (Text of the appropriate bill will be in links below.) Michigan House Bill 4209 states that beginning in 2017, “a person may apply to the board for state operating licenses in the categories of class A, B, or C grower; processor; provisioning center; secure transporter; and safety compliance facility as provided in this act.” To apply for a license, a dispensary must show that they are compliant with state rules regarding security, testing, operation, safety, as well as local ordinances. If a cannabis business wants to apply in Michigan, it would be a really good idea to have a solid plan for packaging that protects the product and the consumer while leaving plenty of room for state-required labeling.

2017 Marijuana Packaging Laws Update

Michigan is in still developing their medical cannabis program, so they don’t have very specific laws on the labeling and packaging of marijuana products. The Michigan Medical Marihuana Program (MMMP) is more concerned with registering patients, caregivers, and dispensaries. Their rules and regulations focus on these topics, rather than packaging and labeling guidelines.